Town or village
Rukumkot
The old seat of Rukum and headquarters of Rukum East, a hill town beside the Kamal Daha lake.
कमल दह
Kamal Daha
A small lotus lake beside Rukumkot, the headquarters of Rukum East, with a temple and a quiet lakeside path.
This is the Kamal Daha lake at Rukumkot in Rukum East.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Sep-Nov
- Type
- Lake
- District
- Rukum East, Lumbini
- Permit
- None needed
Why go
Kamal Daha is a small lake on the edge of Rukumkot, the headquarters town of Rukum East. Its name means 'lotus lake', and lotus plants grow on the water in the warmer months. A path runs around the shore, and a small temple and shrines stand beside it.
The lake is the main local beauty spot in Rukumkot: residents walk here in the morning and evening, and domestic visitors stop to see it when they come to town. It is surrounded by fields, trees and the houses of the town, with forested hills beyond.
Kamal Daha is not a destination for a long journey on its own, but it adds a calm half hour or more to a stay in Rukumkot, and the light on the water at dawn and dusk is attractive.
History and culture
Because Rukumkot sits in a basin surrounded by hills, the lake catches the reflection of the forested slopes on still mornings, and in autumn the air is often clear enough to see far across the district. The town around the lake is small, so it is easy to combine the walk with a look at the bazaar and a meal in one of the local eateries.
The lake is considered sacred by local people and is linked with the religious life of Rukumkot, which was once the seat of a hill principality. Rituals are performed at the lakeside shrines on festival days, and the lake is part of the town's identity.
Local government has carried out some improvements around the shore for visitors. As with all sacred lakes in Nepal, visitors are expected to keep the water clean and avoid swimming or washing in it.
Things to do in Kamal Daha
Lakeside walk
Walk the path around the lake at dawn or dusk.
Visit the shrines
See the small temples and shrines at the lake edge, especially on festival days.
Weather and the best time to visit Kamal Daha
Weather in Kamal Daha
Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-Apr, Sep-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Good month: Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- September to November is clear and mild, with the best light and views.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cool with frosty mornings; the lotus has died back.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March and April are pleasant and the surrounding hills are green.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August is wet; the lake is full and the lotus is out, but roads to Rukumkot are often disrupted.
Where to stay
GuesthousesHotels
Stay in Rukumkot bazaar, a short walk from the lake.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Kamal Daha is on foot from the centre of Rukumkot, which is reached by long hill roads from Dang through Rolpa.
Nearest hub: Rukumkot
- walkA short walk from Rukumkot bazaar to the lake shore.
- roadReach Rukumkot from Ghorahi in Dang by bus or jeep through Rolpa, a long day.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed to visit the lake.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Rukumkot, Wikipedia.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Kamal Daha
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Landslidesmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
The hill roads leading to Rukumkot are prone to monsoon landslides from June to September.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Do not swim, fish or wash in the lake; it is sacred.
- Take any litter away with you.
- Visit early in the morning for still water and few people.
Questions about Kamal Daha
Where is Kamal Daha?
On the edge of Rukumkot, the headquarters town of Rukum East district.
What does Kamal Daha mean?
Kamal means lotus and daha means lake.
Can I swim in Kamal Daha?
No; it is a sacred lake, so swimming and washing are not appropriate.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Rukumkot, Wikipedia, Eastern Rukum District, Wikipedia